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The Singapore government will be calling for a projected US$2 billion in information and communications technology bids in 2016, it announced in a press release. The majority these contracts will go towards IT infrastructure, IT security, and building systems for government agencies.
A main focus for government procurement this year involves developing better systems to support the state’s goal of building a Smart Nation. Information on the bids will be found on GeBiz.
“For example, increased data centre virtualization will allow the government to modernize its hosting of ICT applications and ensure faster time to production for new digital services. Wifi will be extended to more areas within government schools to support smart learning,” says the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) in a press release.
Many of the contracted work will take multiple years to complete, IDA adds. Contractors will work with the Government Technology Agency, a yet-to-be-formed agency tasked with modernizing government services.
In 2015, over US$1.95 billion in contracts were given out to vendors. Over half of these went to small and medium enterprises. It says that 13 companies, including startups like Hope Technik and V-Key, have been assessed and approved under the Accreditation@IDA program, which helps small companies secure jobs with enterprises and the government.
So far, 13 companies have been accredited, and they’ve collectively won over 25 government contracts.
Converted from Singapore dollars. US$1 = S$1.37.
Editing by Judith Balea
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